A Malaysia Airlines flight carrying 159 passengers faced trouble while approaching Kolkata airport after a laser beam was pointed at the cockpit. Flight MH-184 was flying from Kuala Lumpur to Kolkata on Saturday night. The pilot reportedly saw a bright laser beam when the aircraft was about eight nautical miles from the runway. The flash briefly affected the pilot’s vision and delayed the landing. The aircraft had to circle before landing safely at around 11:25 pm. All passengers and crew were safe. Kolkata airport authorities filed a complaint with the airport police. Police are investigating the incident. Laser lights are banned around airports.  

Madhya Pradesh is set to strengthen its regional air connectivity with four new direct flight services operated by Alliance Air. The new routes are Bhopal–Rewa, Bhopal–Patna, Rewa–Kolkata and Jabalpur–Kolkata, connecting key cities in Madhya Pradesh with Bihar and West Bengal. The services are being launched on August 9, 2026, with the aim of improving passenger convenience, supporting tourism and facilitating business travel. The Bhopal–Patna route is expected to benefit travellers and Bihar’s large migrant population in Madhya Pradesh. The new connections are also expected to support economic activity across the Vindhya region. (PC: X)

Sarfaraz Khan has been added to India’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, replacing the injured Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan has been ruled out after failing to recover from a stress reaction in his right toe, sustained during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka. Sarfaraz’s selection marks his return to the Indian Test side after more than a year. The Mumbai batter now has an opportunity to strengthen India’s middle order ahead of the series opener in Galle on August 15. His inclusion also adds experience as India prepares for a challenging overseas Test assignment. (PC: X)

British Columbia has declared a provincial state of emergency after a fast-moving wildfire rapidly expanded near Okanagan Lake, forcing more than 20,000 people to evacuate. The Bald Range wildfire nearly doubled in size overnight to around 9,500 hectares, destroying homes and threatening communities including Summerland and Peachland. Officials described the fire’s behaviour as extremely intense, with changing conditions complicating firefighting and rescue operations. Some residents were trapped and had to be rescued by aircraft. More than 100 wildfires are burning across the province, while firefighters are receiving international assistance. Authorities continue to issue evacuation orders and alerts as dangerous conditions persist. 

Protesting students in Jharkhand will continue their agitation despite the government addressing most of their demands over alleged exam irregularities. Student leaders said they will march to the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10. They are demanding a CBI probe and said they will not compromise without it. Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu said the government will investigate the allegations through the CID and seek an ED probe into financial issues. He also said fast-track courts will be formed and chargesheets filed within 90 days. The government has also proposed an expert committee to suggest recruitment reforms. Chief Minister Hemant Soren urged dialogue.  

India pacer Mohammed Siraj surprised everyone with a powerful batting display against Sri Lanka in a warm-up match. India needed 16 runs from the final over to reach the target of 207. Siraj hit three straight sixes in the last over to finish the game. He had already hit one six in the previous over. India had reached 191/4 before the final over. Although the match was technically over after Siraj’s three sixes, both teams continued playing as warm-up rules allowed it. Siraj remained unbeaten on 32 runs from 15 balls. His performance showed his growing confidence with the bat.  

Singer Sonu Nigam surprised fans by singing during his surgery. He shared a video from the operating theatre on Instagram. In the video, Sonu can be heard singing Mohammed Rafi’s famous song Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki from the 1949 film Dulari. He said he gave an impromptu performance for his doctor and the medical team. Sonu also said he was singing despite the pain because of his love for music. The video received many reactions online. Fans wished him a quick recovery. The reason for his surgery has not been revealed. In June, Sonu had spoken about a painful nerve-related condition.

The US Senate has overwhelmingly approved a Russia sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil, gas and other exports. The measure, passed 86–11, names India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan among potential targets. The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, aims to increase economic pressure on Moscow over the Ukraine war. However, the tariffs are not automatic; the bill gives the US president authority to impose them, with the actual rate determined through the US trade process. The legislation now faces consideration in the House. (PC: Reuters)

The Jharkhand government has agreed to cancel the controversial 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, meeting one of the key demands of protesting aspirants. However, students have refused to end their agitation, insisting on a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities in the examination process. Protesters have raised concerns over alleged leaks and discrepancies in evaluation and results. Talks between student representatives and the state government have failed to resolve the deadlock. The agitation in Ranchi is expected to continue, with protesters demanding greater transparency, accountability and reforms in Jharkhand’s competitive examination system. (PC: ANI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Donald Trump’s 15-point Gaza peace plan and ruled out the creation of a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank while he remains in office. Netanyahu said Israel would not withdraw its forces from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed. Trump had described the proposal as a major breakthrough aimed at ending the war, disarming armed groups and establishing transitional Palestinian governance. Hamas, however, has also set conditions, demanding an end to Israeli attacks and military withdrawal before discussing disarmament. The opposing positions threaten to complicate efforts to implement the US-backed roadmap. (PC: Reuters)